PNP arrests DILG-listed fugitive in Roxas; TPB fam‑trip to bring visitors to Puerto Galera

Police arrested a DILG-listed national fugitive in Barangay Odiong, Roxas on Thursday, July 2, 2026. The operation coincides with a Tourism Promotions Board fam‑trip that lists Puerto Galera among its destinations from 6 to 14 July 2026.

PNP arrests DILG‑listed fugitive in Roxas; TPB lists Puerto Galera on July fam‑trip

Roxas, Oriental Mindoro — Police arrested a DILG‑listed national‑level fugitive in Barangay Odiong, Roxas, on Thursday, 2 July 2026, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said. The suspect, publicly identified only by the alias “Noel,” was taken into custody during an intelligence‑led operation involving Special Action Force units and provincial and regional intelligence teams.

The operation was carried out by the 10th Special Action Battalion with tactical support from the Special Action Force (SAF), the Provincial Intelligence Team Oriental Mindoro, and the Regional Intelligence Unit 4B, the PNP said. Officers served multiple warrants of arrest for murder, attempted murder and frustrated murder.

Authorities recovered a .45‑caliber pistol, two magazines and 16 rounds of ammunition from the suspect. The PNP said the arrested person and the seized items were turned over to the Roxas Municipal Police Station and the Oriental Mindoro Police Provincial Office for documentation and filing of appropriate charges.

PNP Chief Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. described the operation as an example of the force’s intelligence‑driven approach to locating and apprehending high‑value fugitives. “This arrest reflects the strength of intelligence‑driven police operations and the unwavering resolve of the PNP to locate and apprehend fugitives who pose a threat to public safety and the rule of law,” he said.

In a Filipino language statement the PNP chief added: “Patuloy nating tutugisin ang mga taong may kinahaharap na mabibigat na kaso. Ang bawat pag‑aresto ay hakbang para matiyak na maipapatupad ang hustisya.” The PNP said the arrest advances its Focused Agenda to make police service more responsive, accountable and professional.

The arrest occurred as Puerto Galera prepares to receive visitors as part of a Tourism Promotions Board (TPB) organised fam‑trip scheduled for 6 to 14 July 2026. The TPB’s publicly posted technical specifications list Batangas, Puerto Galera and Metro Manila on the itinerary and name Puerto Galera explicitly as a destination.

• Arrest: Thursday, 2 July 2026, Barangay Odiong, Roxas, Oriental Mindoro (PNP statement).
• Suspect: alias “Noel”; listed as a National Level Most Wanted Person by DILG (PNP statement).
• Units involved: 10th Special Action Battalion, Special Action Force (SAF), Provincial Intelligence Team Oriental Mindoro, Regional Intelligence Unit 4B and other PNP units.
• Seized items: one .45‑caliber pistol, two magazines, 16 rounds of ammunition.
• Disposition: Suspect and items turned over to Roxas Municipal Police Station and Oriental Mindoro Police Provincial Office for documentation and filing of charges.
• Separate development: TPB fam‑trip includes Puerto Galera on itinerary for 6–14 July 2026 (TPB technical specifications public document).

The editorial team will seek comment from the Roxas Municipal Police Station and the Oriental Mindoro provincial tourism office for clarification on case details and any public‑safety advisories affecting tourist areas. We will also request comment from TPB on the fam‑trip’s final itinerary and any contingency plans related to security.